07-R156

2007 -- H 6239

Enacted 04/03/07

 

 

H O U S E  R E S O L U T I O N

RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THE RHODE ISLAND BOARD OF GOVERNORS FOR  HIGHER EDUCATION TO CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY ON THE FEASIBILITY OF ESTABLISHING AN ACCREDITED DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM

     

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Costantino, Crowley, Lewiss, Naughton, and Mumford

     Date Introduced: April 03, 2007

 

 

     WHEREAS, Providing a higher education experience for people who have to work full-

time or lack the resources to attend a traditional university setting may prove to be an essential

key not only to opening doors in their lives, but also to improving the quality, knowledge and

abilities of the state’s workforce; and

     WHEREAS, An alternative academic model designed specifically to facilitate adult

learning would advance the ability of Rhode Islanders to attain higher education; one such model

is distance learning; and

     WHEREAS, Distance learning is defined as any educational situation in which teacher

and student are not engaged face-to-face; and

     WHEREAS, With advances in computer technology and increased access to the Internet,

learning no longer needs to be confined to traditional places such as classrooms, nor to the typical

delivery models such as face-to-face instruction; and

     WHEREAS, Distance learning can make it possible for adults to reach their educational

goals while still fulfilling other responsibilities; and

     WHEREAS, Distance learning can transcend the constraints of time and space, and allow

the adult student to decide when, where and how to learn; and

     WHEREAS, A comprehensive study on the merits and feasibility of establishing distance

learning programs in conjunction with our state colleges and universities will provide the data and

analysis necessary to enable more Rhode Islanders to attain formal higher education; now,

therefore be it

      RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby requests the Rhode Island Board of Governors to conduct a study

to determine the feasibility of establishing an accredited distance learning program. The study

shall include, but not be limited to, analysis and recommendations on costs, program design,

curricular, school affiliations, teaching/learning methods, and availability; and be it further

      RESOLVED, That the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education shall

report back its findings to the Chairman of the House Finance Committee on or before January 1,

2008; and be it further

      RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Chairman of the Rhode Island Board of

Governors for Higher Education.

 

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LC02765

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